When some people get into activism, they start cutting out cardboard signs and drumming up all sorts of smartass slogans. Others wanting to make a difference concentrate on the one and only thing that can actually lead to justifiable change: love.

NYC-based singer/songwriter/activist Morley does just that. Motivated and empowered by the words of Aung San Suu Kyi, who said “If you’re feeling helpless, help someone,” Morley’s take on being a voice for change is refreshing, convincing, earnest, and real.

With Seen, her third full-length, Morley lovingly weaves songs of love, trust, compassion, and honesty with her affectionate yet sultry voice.

Morley made her debut back in 1998 with Sun Machine, a record that featured Jeff Buckley, Steve Jordon, and Joan Wasser. After the album’s release, the label folded up and Morley continued teaching choreography. Songwriting was still in her blood, of course, and she continued to work as an artist. Morley toured with Dave Matthews, Neil Finn, and wound up on the Lilith Fair line-up. Morley was even a featured artist at the 60th Anniversary of the UN with the Children of Agape.

In 2006, Morley released her second album. Days Like These was released via Universal France and the singer/songwriter became a hit over there. Due to the success of her sophomore release, she headed into the studio to record Seen with a cast of top musicians and a stellar production team.

The songs are vigorous, rich, and memorable. Morley’s touch with the vocals is tender and yet urgent, as though she has a story to tell and enthusiastically anticipates her opportunity to do so.

“Somebody New” opens things up with a soulful, laid-back feel. Its calm sway works beautifully with Morley’s deep, sultry voice. And “Unconditional Ass” is a smart-alecky, humorous cut that bounces with horns and a funky edge.

In other places, Morley assumes the role of Comforter. “Call On Me” is a loving, rocking song with gorgeous, warm lyrics. “You can call on me, ‘cause I haven’t moved,” she assures us. “Crimes in the Garden” is a passionate tune dedicated to Cindy Sheehan, using Bob Marley’s “hammer of love” as a touching lyrical condition.

Seen is an activist’s album, no question about it. But its creation comes out of the soil that all true activism must take root in, dirt enriched with love, compassion, and truth. Morley speaks the truth and her ideas spring out of the ground with sensual reality, unrepentant courage, and loving kindness.

“To be looked at is one thing, but to be seen is an experience,” Morley says. Indeed.